Nature Blueprint — Cyanotype Taster Workshop

Join this cyanotype workshop at Trinity Buoy Wharf and slow down for a few hours of sunshine, blue shades, and nature.

Before the session begins, you're encouraged to take a gentle wander through the local Lee Valley — exploring Bow Creek Ecology Park and East India Dock Basin — for a little birdwatching and inspiration from the natural world. Perhaps collect a few natural treasures, like feathers and fallen leaves, to work with in your final artworks.

Then head to BE KA Art Studio, Elena's riverside atelier at Trinity Buoy Wharf, for a hands-on taster session on cyanotype printing. Cyanotype is one of the oldest photographic printing processes — and one of the most satisfying and sustainable. Using sunlight, water, and natural materials, you'll arrange botanicals, feathers, or shells onto coated paper, expose them to light, then rinse your print and watch the image bloom in that distinctive, deep, luminous blue. No cameras, no screens, no prior experience needed — just you, some plants, and the light drawing shapes. You can also add wooden letters, handwritten details, or your own drawings to make the piece feel personal. If the weather's overcast, UV light has you covered.

What You'll Do

• Arrange botanicals and objects to compose your own cyanotype prints
• Add a personal touch with wooden letters, drawings, or handwritten details
• You're welcome to bring small objects of your own if you'd like
• Expose your work in sunlight — or UV light
• Develop your prints in water and watch the images appear

What's Included

Everything is provided, including:

• 2 x A5 coated paper sheets in your choice of colour, or small squared coated paper
• Acrylic film and markers
• Botanicals, feathers, shells, and natural materials (feel free to bring your own if you'd like)
• Small wooden craft letters

Additional paper in different colours and sizes will be available to purchase on the day. You'll leave with your own beautiful, original cyanotype artworks.

Duration: Sessions run a generous 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the group and how many artworks you'd like to make.

Good to Know

• No prior experience necessary — suitable for complete beginners
• Relaxed and creative atmosphere
• Step-free access and disabled toilets available
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• The studio is close to local favourites such as The Orchard Café and Layers Bakery, if you'd like a drink or snack before or after (both open daily until 4 pm). There's also our local pub, The Lockdown Room, near Canning Town station, for food and drinks until late.

Please Bring

No food or drinks are provided, so feel free to bring your own snacks or a drink if you'd like.

📍 Location — Trinity Buoy Wharf, London E14 0FP

The workshop takes place at Trinity Buoy Wharf, a historic 19th-century site in London's Docklands, now home to one of London's most vibrant creative communities, a sculpture park, event venues, and the iconic Container City™ buildings. More info: https://www.trinitybuoywharf.com

The site's entry gate is open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. If you'd like to arrive earlier to explore the wharf and surrounding nature spots beforehand, you're welcome to — just please don't be late for the evening session, as we won't be able to let you in after 7 pm.

Privacy & Consent

By attending this event, you agree that photos and videos may be taken and used for promotional purposes, including on the BE KA website and social media channels. If you'd prefer not to appear, simply let me know, and I'll make sure to respect your wishes.